Karen Charon (née Frazer), 83, of Mission Viejo, California, passed away on February 9, 2026. Born and raised just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, she moved to the West Coast in the late 1960's and married David Charon in 1969. Together they had two children and settled in Mission Viejo, CA. Though their marriage ended in divorce, Karen's resilience and love for her family never wavered. In the years that followed, she found lasting partnership and support for more than 40 years with Cliff Booth (preceded in death), who helped raise her children from a young age.

No matter how many years she lived away from Massachusetts, she never lost her unmistakable Boston accent – something people always noticed and affectionately commented on. And whenever she was around her brothers and sisters, that accent grew even stronger. It was a sweet reminder of where she came from and the family she loved so dearly.

At home, Karen & Cliff were a perfect pair in the kitchen with Cliiff usually cooking the entire meal (and playing bartender!) and Karen happily taking charge of the dessert. She loved ending their gatherings with something sweet. Karen loved traveling as often as she could and exploring new places. She delighted in life's simple pleasures like playing cards, talking and laughing around the table and spending time with the people she loved most. She especially appreciated the traditions of celebrating birthdays and holidays each year and took great pleasure in keeping those traditions alive. Her home was a place of comfort and welcome.

Karen is survived by her daughter Nicole & husband Chad, her son Brian & wife Lindsey and their two children Dylan (11) & Brooklyn (10 mths). Her grandchildren brought immeasurable pride and endless smiles into her life. She was the middle child of seven siblings: Dottie & husband Maurice "Bo" (both preceded in death), Kent & wife Judy, Spencer & wife Joan (preceded in death), Claudia & husband Al, Noel & husband Earl, and Leslie. Her siblings as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, additional extended family and dear friends remained an important and cherished part of her life.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.